Alan Shearer and Ian Wright were in agreement that it’s probably ‘just meant to be’ that goalkeeper Loris Karius will debut for Newcastle United in the EFL Cup Final against Manchester United on Sunday at Wembley.
Newcastle United’s number one shot-stopper Nick Pope, who Shearer shared has been ‘unbelievable’ this season, had his luck well and truly smashed last week.
During his side’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League, the England international was shown a straight red card for handling the ball outside of his penalty area after trying to clear the ball from the on-rushing, Mo Salah.
It means that Pope has to serve a suspension, and with Martin Dubravka cup-tied after playing for Manchester United this season, it’s none other than Karius expected to deputise for Eddie Howe’s men in between the sticks.
What a game and what an occasion to make his Newcastle debut. Shearer is perhaps the biggest legend of them all at St James’ Park, but if Karius can help bring home that first trophy in over 50 years, then he can put his name alongside those greats.
Despite Pope missing, Alan Shearer held a positive view ahead of the EFL Cup final and he was backed up by Arsenal legend Ian Wright, as they told Premier League Productions (25/02/23 at 2:10 pm).
“That was a blow for Nick Pope and Newcastle, you can’t hide that,” said Shearer. “I felt so sorry for him because his form has been unbelievable since he put on a Newcastle shirt.
“He hasn’t made an error, other than that last weekend, so it’s a big price to pay for him to miss it. But what an opportunity for Karius to come in. I know he hasn’t played for two years. Maybe it’s just meant to be.”
Wright added: “That’s exactly what my mom used to say, Al. It’s meant to be! It is.”
A CLUB LEGEND AFTER ONE GAME?
Karius might only play one game for Newcastle, yet he might come out of it as a club legend.
From the late great Sir Bobby Robson to the all-time hero Alan Shearer. Many great faces have walked into St James’ Park, and they will forever be remembered.
But, come Sunday, Karius, after one game and one game only, he might just put his name alongside those legends, that’s if he can guide the club to their first-ever major trophy in five decades.
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